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THE GIRL FRIENDS HISTORY 1927-1984

A span of fifty-seven years of friendship, love and understanding chronicles the history of the Girls Friends. Founders Lillie Mae Riddick, Elnorist Younge, Henri Youngs and Eunice Shreeves met in New York in 1927 to form a social club adhering to civic and cultural interests.  The Marshall Neil Rose was selected as their flower with apple and emerald green as the colors.  Dottie Roarke, Helen Hayes, Connye Cotterell, Rae Dudley, Anna Murphy and Ruth Byrd joined the group.

Interest spread along the eastern seaboard and soon groups were formed in Philadelphia, Baltimore and New Jersey.  The first weekend conclave was hosted by Connye Cotterell who entertained twenty-eight girls, representing these four cities. 

Dottie Townes initiated the idea that a national organization was needed, so in 1933 with Eunice Shreeves (New York) as first national president, Alberta Banks (New Jersey) vice president, Elisabeth Young (Philadelphia) secretary, and Dorothy Bostic (Baltimore) treasurer; a constitution was written, boundary lines for memberships established and a time set for the Annual Meeting.

Friendships grew and by September 23, 1938, "The Girl Friends" bacame incorporated under the legal guidance of Thurgood Marshall.

By 1963, all Girl Friends Chapters had NAACP Life Memberships and had contributed to the United Negro College Fund, The Mississippi Project and the National Scholarship Service Fund for Negro Students.

Today with Girl Friends Chapters in 35 cities and continued leadership of the highest caliber, they move forward inot the 80's with visions of new beginnings, fresh hopes, new commitments, stronger ties and increased blessings.

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